Dispensing type closure



Nov. 19, 1963 s. M. LlBlT ETAL DISPENSING TYPE CLOSURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 29, 1961 25 w as 1 dl ly/llfl/ Ill;

Sidnc INVENTO M. lzbzi y Arihurhsfz Newby J." W A,

Nov. 19, 1963 s. M. LlBlT ETAL' 3,111,245

DISPENSING TYPE CLOSURE Filed June 29, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 F1 q, 7 FI 6 INVENTQ Szdney M. Llbl BY Arlhur Wesle Newby United States Patent 3,111,245 DESPENSZNG rvrn ceosunn Arthur Wesley Newhy, 12:55 Sehaurnhurg Road, Elgiu, l.

Filed Suns 29, 1951, Ser. i o. 12%,789 8 Claims. (Cl. 222-534) This invention relates to a combined closure and dispensing valve for incorporation with a receptacle containing fluent material, sometimes referred to as a dispensing closure. More specifically it has relation to a device of the aforesaid character comprising two parts, at least one of which, and preferably both, are of material which, while generally shape-retaining, are nevertheless characterized by moderate resiliency, both characteristics being dictated in degree by the function of the device, as will appear.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a two-part dispensing closure comprising a fixed part for incorporation with the receptacle and a movable part retm'ned in swivelling relation therewith for movement between on and off positions, the movable part including a dispensing spout which, in the off position, occupies a flush relation with the fixed part.

Another object is to provide such flush relation in a manner which will result in minimum presentation of crevices which would otherwise receive and retain foreign matter.

A further object is to provide a device in accordance with the foregoing in which the spout is so arranged as to present, when viewed from any aspect, virtually continuous fiush relation with the fixed part whereby a pronounced esthetic configuration is imparted to the device regarded as a whole.

An additional object is to provide the flush relationship aforesaid without sacrificing convenient accessibility to the distal end of the spout whereby the same may be digitally actuated between its two principal positions.

A further object is to provide a dispensing closure having the aforesaid characteristics and so arranged that opening and closing thereof are attended with little hiction and yet is reliably sealed against leakage.

Another object is to provide a device as above referred to which may have the fluid passages therethrough easily varied in transverse area depending upon the desired rate of how and the viscosity of the fluid with only minor and inexpensive conversion of the molds in which the parts are fabricated.

Still another object is to provide a device which includes novel features for reliably obviating leakage at the joint between the fixed and movable parts.

Another object is to provide a construction such that inadvertent dislodgment of the movable part from the fixed part is precluded, as by erroneous actuation of the movable part to on position.

An additional object is to provide a device of the character aforesaid in which the parts may be readily assembled in quantity by automatic machinery.

A further object is to provide a device which may be reduced in volume over practically the entire extent thereof without affecting its basic function and advantages in order not only to reduce the amount of raw material and thus the cost but to avoid deformation due to Shrinkage as the parts cool following molding.

Another object is to provide a device as aforesaid so arranged that accurate regis ry of the fiuid passages in the fixed and movable parts respectively is assured when the device is in on position.

A further object is to provide a dispensing closure having the aforesaid characteristics which is readily adapted 2 for spray-type dis-ensing with only minor, comparatively inexpensive modification in the mold for the movable part.

Anotherf object is to provide a fixed part which is adaptable to a screw-neck receptacle, a beaded nozzle type receptacle, one which is provided with a punched or otherwise formed hole in a wall thereof or which may be integrated with the receptacle, with no alteration in the configuration and function of the principal features of the invention.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the ensuing description which, taken with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment which the invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a dispensing closure in accordance with the invention, showing the spout in dispensing position;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the closure of FIG. 1 as seen from the right thereof;

FiG. 3 is a cross section taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2 showing the closure attached to the screw-threaded neck of a bottle, and in on position;

PEG. 4 is a cross-section similar to FIG. 3, but with the closure shown oil;

FIG. 5 is a top lan view of the closure shown in FIG. 1, but with the spout part disassembled therefrom;

FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 4, but shown with the spout part detached from the fixed part;

FIG. 7 is a cross section taken on the line 77 of PEG. l;

FIG. 8 is a somewhat enlarged, side elevational view of the movable part with certain portions sectioned;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation of the movable part as seen from the right in FIG. 8;

HQ. 1G is a bottom plan view of the movable part of FlG. 8;

PEG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the closure; and

PEG. 12 is a top plan view of the closure, similar to PEG. 5, but with the spout part assembled and in off position.

Broadly regarded the invention closure comprises a fixed part for incorporation with a fluid-containing receptacle by any well known means. Such receptacle may include a neck having exterior threads, in which case said fixed part is correspondingly interiorly threaded; the said fixed part may be engaged with the receptacle by a bayonet type of connection; the neck maybe peripherally beaded at its free end, in which case said fixed part has a bead or internal groove for snap or press type fit thereover; the receptacle may simply be provided with a hole punched in one Wall thereof, in which event said fixed part is formed with a cooperative male portion for plugtype engagement in the hole; said fixed part may be molded in common with the receptacle, or the union may be achieved by fusing, cementing or equivalent operation. Inasmuch as the aforementioned and other modes of attaching the fixed part to the receptacle form no part of the invention per se they are deemed to require no further elaboration beyond stating that the inventive closure may be adapted to any of them with no alteration in the basic principles thereof, Preferably both the fixed and movable parts are comprised of substantially shaperetaining but resilient material, e.g., a plastic composition such as polyethylene, although only one part may, under some circumstances, be resilient and the other comparatively rigid.

The movable par-t is provided with wall portions defining a principal cavity which may best be defined as conforming substantially to a longitudinal segment of a surface of revolution, such as the surface formed when a cylinder is longitudinally truncated to yield a segment which is greater than In this case the plane of truncation may be referred to as defining an entrance to the cavity for admission of the knuckle of the movable part. Such knuckle is essentially cylindrical and has a diameter such that the same may, upon initial assembly of the two parts of the closure, be forced through the entrance of the cavity, during which assembly step the resiliency of the material comprising the fixed part allows the margin of the entrance to yield, whereafter elastic restoration of the material permanently retains the movable part in the cavity for rotatable relation thereof with the fixed part. A pouring spout or nozzle protrudes from the knuckle and also serves as a handle for manipulation of the movable part between dispensing on) and nondispensing (off) positions.

Although the swivel connection between the fixed and movable parts is described herein by way of example as constituted by a substantially cylindrical knuckle engaged rotatively in a generally homologous cavity, it will be apparent from what follows that other truncated surfaces of revolution may be available of, eg, spherical or ellipsoidal surfaces or compound surfaces, e.g., axially abutting cylinders of different diameters.

The movable part is so arranged relative to the fixed part that the same may occupy two principal positions, namely, one wherein the spout is substantially perpendicular to an upper, horizontal face of the fixed part for pouring, viz. on and the other wherein the spout is disposed flush with said face, viz. off. The upper part of the fixed part is provided with a recess forming a lateral branch of the knuckle-receiving cavity to receive those portions of the movable part other than the knuckle thereof whereby the desired fi-ush relation of the movable part with the fixed part may be realized.

Inasmuch as the movable part is retained in operative relation with the cavity by constrictive action exerted over only somewhat more than 180 of the knuckle there exists the possibility that a user may, inadvertently, when actuating the spout to on, exert a force greater than necessary thereby to overcome such constrictive action and dislodge the spout. To meet such contingency limit means are provided in the form of interengaging elements on the juxtaposed side walls of the cavity and of the knuckle respectively.

The pouring passage through the movable part is adapted to be brought into and out of registry with another passage through the fixed part, said passages together providing for flow from the receptacle and, vice versa, when the same are shifted out of registry, to interrupt flow. Since the zone of registry is necessarily of a fluid-tight character sealing means are provided in the form of an annulus on the base bearing on the curved surface of the knuckle. In order to utilize to a maximum the constrictive force on the annulus exerted by the curved wall of the cavity, such wall is modified at its outer terminations, i.e., at the entrance to the cavity, to define a pair of opposite pads applying concentrated forces each of which comprises a substantial component perpendicularly to the annular zone of sealing.

As a matter of molding practice it is extremely difficult to provide that the curved wall of the cavity meet the end, i.e., flat, walls in sharp corners. In fact such corner junctions are desirably filleted. Accordingly, to avoid undesirable interference between the knuckle and such filleted junctions the curved wall of the cavity, in a restricted area circumjacent that end of the fluid passage through the fixed part which terminates in the cavity, is provided with an island on which is superimposed the annular sealing ring referred to above.

To facilitate digital engagement of the distal end of the spout or nozzle when the same is in off position, viz. flush with the fixed part, provision is made for access in the form of a relief in the exterior of the base in an area underlying such distal end.

Adverting now to the drawings there is shown, by way of example, a dispensing closure embodying the prini. ciples of the invention adapted for securement to a bottle having a screw-threaded neck although, as alluded to hereinabove, the means of attaching the closure to the receptacle is capable of wide variation. Moreover, as will be apparent, the surface decoration of the lateral surface of the device is not to be regarded as limitative in any way.

The invention closure comprises only two parts, namely, a fixed part if, sometimes herein termed a base, and a movable part Ill, sometimes herein termed a spout. At least one of the parts is of resilient material to permit assembly by momentary distortion or deformation of one of said parts. In practice both parts are preferably of resilient material. Such material is desirably characterized as being of a generally shape-retaining nature since such behavior is required in the portions by which the closure is attached to the receptacle and in maintenance of the swivel connection between the parts. As the description of the function of the closure proceeds it will become apparent that the term shaperetaining is a purely relative one and that absolute rigidity is not a prerequisite. Similarly with respect to the meaning to be attributed to the relative words resilient or resiliency which are used only to make clear that the generally shape-retaining characteristic implies such degree of resiliency or elasticity as is required for initial assembly and subsequent function.

The fixed part or base 1% comprises an upper end wall 14 extending over the larger portion of the base (FIG. 5), from the periphery of which depends a skirt 15 having internal threads 16 for engagement with mating threads 17 on the neck 13 of a bottle 2%? (FIG. 3). The outer surface of the skirt may be embellished in any desired manner to satisfy the buyers esthetic considerations, e.g. fluted as shown in FIGS. 1 and 11. However, it is preferred to provide a simple cylindrical band adjacent the top of the closure, as shown, for engagement by the clutch of automatic apparatus which may be utilized to secure the closure to the receptacle.

Interiorly or" the wall 15 and depending from the interior surface of the end wall 14 is a sealing ring 21 FlGS. 7 and 11) adapted to bear on the end of the neck 18 (FIG. 3) to supplement the sealing action of the threads 16 and 17. Such ring may be necessary in the case of volatile fluids such as naphtha and alcohol but is not generally essential. Desirably the active edge of the ring 21 is of substantially V-fcrm or rounded to present a line of sealing and therefore a greater concentration of sealing pressure per unit area.

The upper end wall 14 is provided with a compound cavity comprising what may, for convenience, best be termed a knuckle cavity 25 and a spout cavity 26, each of which will be particularized hereinafter.

The knuckle cavity 25 is defined by wall portions extending inwardly from the end wall 14, viz. an essentially arcuate wall 28 and opposite, essentially flat end walls 2 together defining a space (FIGS. 5, 6 and 7) which is substantially a longitudinally truncated hollow cylinder as somewhat more exactly defined hereinbefore.

Regarded more particularly the interior of the curved wall 28 of the cavity 25 l- 1G. 6) comprises a cylindrical portion 39 extending approximately 180 between points A and B subtended at each end by substantially fiat portions or pads 33 and 32 which lie on planes each having, in the example, an angle of approximately 30 with a vertical plane through the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion. The geometry of the portions 31 and 32 is so determined that the distance C between the confronting apices thereof is less than the diameter of the knuckle of the movable part for reasons which will become more apparent subsequently. The pads 31 and 32 may take other forms so long as they jointly define a restricted entrance to the cavity 25 and present to the knuckle points of application for the constrictive force exerted by the curved Wall of the cavity.

To provide a fluid-sealing zone of restricted area between the fixed and movable arts an annular embossment 41 is provided at the bottom of the cavity 25 (FIG. 6) against which the knuckle of the movable part is adapted to bear. While such embossment may be located immediately on the Wall surface 38 it is desirable to interpose a pad or island 42. FiGS. and 6). The dimensions of the pad with respect to adjacent or adjoining parts are not critical but the overall configuration contemplates two important functions to be referred to now. In molding the fixed part it is of practical importance to provide a small fillet at the corners where the end walls 29-25 meet the curved wall 3%. By so doing the possibility of fatigue failure by cracking is reduced and manufacture of the molds is simplified, since it will be recognized that, as a practical matter, sharp corners therein are difficult to machine and maintain. Accordingly, in order to avoid interference between the knuckle of the movable part and such filleted corners it is preferred to displace the knuckle away therefrom. Such result may be accomplished by making the annular embossment 41 protrude sufiiciently from the wall However if such embossment is too high it may be deflected and perhaps permanently deformed or otherwise injured during swivelling movement of the knuckle, with consequent risk of poor sealing. To avoid such possibility pad 42 is interposed whereby to reduce the height of the embossment and to eliminate interference of the knuckle with the corners of the cavity in the manner referred to since, as will be noted, the pad does not merge into the end Walls 2?. Moreover, if the pad 42 were to be made sufficiently high to serve as a sealing surface not only is substantially increased friction encountered by the movable part but the sealing force per unit area is decreased, as compared to the line contact presented by the annular embossrnent.

The movable part 11 (FIGS. 8, 9 and 10) comprises a knuckle portion 51 and a spout or nozzle portion 52. The knuckle 51 is essentially cylindrical and of a diameter such that, when the same is thrust through the entrance of the cavity (as denoted by the dimension C) upon initial assembly of the two parts, the walls of the cavity may be distended and the knuckle pushed home (IFIGS. 3 and 4), whereafter the elasticity of the material restores the status quo of the fixed part it? to retain the knuckle in permanent, swivelling relation therewith and with the knuckle forced down upon the enzbossment ll. At this juncture it will be noted that the surfaces 31 and 32 which, in the example, are tangent to the knuckle will each bear down thereon with a generally radially inward force, and that each such force resolves into a substantial component normal to the restn'ccd zone of contact between the embossnient 4i and knuckle 51.

In fabricating the spout part 11 the parting L ne of the mold is, most conveniently, aligned with the diametrical plane XX of the knuckle 51. To avoid flash which would be expensive to trim, the knuckle is made slightly larger in radius over the arc 53 below the line XX, as seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, whereby minute shoulders 54-54 are presented. Thus flash is, to a large extent, avoided. The shoulders 54-54 need be very slight, e.g. about 0.004" measured radially, as compared to a diameter of about 0.436" over the knuckle portion 53. They may, therefore, be disregarded insofar as concerns appropriate function of the closure.

It is also desirable, as the solution of another practical exigency in the molding procedure, to provide on the knuckle a slight pad 56 circumjacent the bore portion 57 of the spout 11. Such pad may be of any suitable lateral dimensions, e g. circular. Such pad is included for abutment by the movable pin in the mold by means of which the part is ejected therefrom. In the absence of such pad and noting that the part is still malleable because of the heat employed, the ejecting pin could easily indent the knuckle surface and result in an inefficient seal at the ring 41. Since the pad need be only on the order of 0.002" to 0.004, based on the knuckle diameter given above, namely 0.436, function of the closure in its intended manner remains unalfected.

It will be understood that, for clarity, the shoulders 5 354 and pad 56 are shown exaggerated in the drawing.

The nozzle part 52, i.e. the portion of the movable part exclusive of the cylindrical knucl e, desirably has the configuration shown, namely such as to present a rectangular transverse cross section at its extremity, for easy manipulation, and to present a flush relation with the upper surface of the end Wall 14 of the fixed part 19. Such surface may be fiat or, for esthetic considerations, slightly crowned, as shown. It will be understood that whatever contour the upper surfaces of the fixed and movable parts may assume (regarded in o condition), they may be configured to lie in the same plane with minimum Working clearance therebetween. Thus crevices which would otherwise be unsightly and serve as depositories for foreign matter are avoided. In fact the joint between the two parts may be regarded as a hair line.

In order (1) to define an adequate cylindrical peripheral surface on the knuckle 51 for engagement with the cavity 25, (2) to reduce the cost of raw material and (3) to avoid unduly thick sections in the spout part which may induce unacceptable shrinkage, the nozzle 52 is recessed in regions indicated at 61- 31 to leave what may be termed opposite wings Si k-62. which latter, in the off position, are in flush relation with the upper face 2 3 of the base lit. Additionally similar reduction in volume and cross section may be availed of by coring elsewhere e.g. the recesses s5 ss, 6 i-66 and 67.

The bore portion 57 is preferably cylindrical in order that the pin in the mold defining the same may 'be more easily fabricated, assembled and replaced, and extends to within some predetermined distance of the distal end 71. Accordingly the length of the pin will be selected to minimize damage to or deformation thereof (washing) during molding and this in turn will determine the length of the bore portion 57. The remainder 73 of the bore is provided with a rectangular cross section conforming with the preferred exterior configuration of the spout 52 at its dispensing end (FIG. 12). In the on position the bore portion 57 is adapted to register with a bore 69 through the bottom of the cavity 25 (FIG. 3) and which the sealing ring 41 circumscribes.

The spout cavity 25 has a configuration as best seen in F168. 5 and 6 and comprises a Wider part 531 and a narrower part 82. The former is conformed to receive the Wings 62 62 and the latter to receive that portion of the spout exclusive of the wings, as will be clear from FIGS. 3 and 4. The generally horizontal floor portions 89 of the wider part 81 are arranged to act as a stop delimiting movement of the spout to oil position and is, therefore, desirably inclined to be congruent therewith. However the floor of the narrower part 82 may be availed of for this purpose, if desired. Further, by providing the narrower part 82 the necessary continuity of the wall 3% of the cavity 25 is preserved to the greatest practicable extent since, as mentioned previously, such wall including the pads 32 must subtend an angle greater than 180.

Movement of the spout part to on is limited by abutment of the corner of the pad 31 with the junction Y of the spout 52 and knuckle 51 (FlGS. 3 and 8).

Operation of the device is believed to be evident from the foregoing description but will be recapitulated here. Assuming that the device is off (FIG. 4) the bores 57 and 6% are out or" register and flow from the receptacle is interrupted. To turn the device to on the tip of 'ones finger is placed under or against the distal end of the spout and the same is rotated approximately to the position of FIG. 3 whereat the bores are in registry for dispensing of fluid. Closing action is obviously the reverse of the foregoing.

To facilitate access to the distal end of the spout the same may be arranged to over-hang slightly the periphery of the wall 14 (FIG. 12) while preserving to the optimum extent a comparatively uninterrupted, esthetic contour for the periphery of the closure as a whole. To implement access the periphery of the sk'ut 15 may be channeled as at 91 (FIGS. 2 and 11). It is within contemplation that, when feasible, such channel form an integral part of the surface decoration of the skirt whereby to disguise its utilitarian character. Such channel may, alternatively, be a slightly concave recess below the distal end of the spout, not necessarily extending the full depth of the skirt. Additionally to increase accessibility the outer corners of the spout cavity as maybe chamfered, as at 92 (FIG. 12).

Inasmuch as a user may, by application of abnormal force to the spout upon opening, dislodge the movable part 11 from operative relation with the fixed part 12 by leverage about the line Y as a fulcrum it is desirable to provide means to negative such eventuality. To this end the end walls 29 of the cavity are each provided with a projection 94 cooperative with the edge region 95 of the merging cavities 65 and 66 at each side of the knuckle 51 (FIGS. 8 and 10). Thus, upon movement of the part 11 to on, the edges 95 are caused to abut respective ones of the projections 94 to resist rotation beyond the position at which the bores 63 and 57 are in register.

In order that the core of the mold defining the cavity 25, the cavity 26 and the projections 94 may be retracted without tearing these projections the same are preferably inclined downwardly and outwardly as best seen in FIG. 7.

Materials found to impart the desired function and therefore preferred the molding of the closure of the example are: for the fixed part, polyethylene, under the designation Dl-lDA-Series 4160 and, for the movable part, DPDA-Series 4909, both available from Bakelite Division of Union Carbide and Chemical Company, Chicago, Illinois.

While we have shown a particular embodiment of our invention, it will be understood, of course, that we do not wish to be limited thereto since many modifications may be made and We, therefore, contemplate by the appended claims to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of our invention.

We claim:

1. A dispensing closure for use with a receptacle containing fluent material comprising a fixed part having means to attach the closure to the receptacle, said fixed part having an essentially flat upper surface substantially over its entire extent and principal and subsidiary cavities in said surface, said principal cavity conforming substantially to a longitudinally truncated surface of revolution extending over an arc of more than 180, the entrance to the cavity being defined by the plane of truncation, said subsidiary cavity merging with said principal cavity to form a lateral continuation thereof, a movable part having a knuckle portion substantially homologous with said principal cavity received frictionally and rotatably therein for movement relative to said fixed part between on and off positions and a spout portion extending from said knuckle portion through said entrance, said principal cavity and knuckle portion being so positioned with respect to said fixed part upper surface that the curved surface of said knuckle portion is tangential thereto, said spout portion having a first face tangential to the curved face of said knuckle portion and a second face opposite said first face meeting said curved knuckle surface subtantially at a diametrical plane thereof, said subsidiary cavity being conformed for nesting therein of said spout portion when the closure is in of? position, said first spout face and said fixed part upper surface being in flush relation in said off position, at least one of said fixed and movable parts comprising generally shape-retaining,

resilient material for snap-type engagement of said parts, said movable part having a flow passage through said knuckle and spout portions, and said fixed part having a passage providing fluid communication between the interior of the receptacle and principal cavity, said passages being adapted to register in on position and to be out of register in off position.

2. A dispensing closure for use with a receptacle containing fluent material comprising a fixed part having means to attach the closure to the receptacle, said fixed part having an essentially flat upper surface substantially over its entire extent and principal and subsidiary cavities in said surface, said principal cavity conforming substantially to a longitudinally truncated surface of revolution extending over an arc of more than 180, the entrance to the cavity being defined by the plane of truncation, said subsidiary cavity merging with said principal cavity to form a lateral continuation thereof, a movable part hav- .ing a knuckle portion substantially homologous with said principal cavity received frictionally and rotatably therein for movement relative to said fixed part between on and ofl positions and a spout portion extending from said knuckle portion, said principal cavity and knuckle portion being so positioned with respect to said fixed part upper surface that the curved surface of said knuckle portion is tangential thereto, said spout portion having a first face substantially tangential to the curved surface of said knuckle portion and a second, opposite face meeting said curved knuckle surface substantially at a diametrical plane thereof, said subsidiary cavity comprising two sections of different Widths measured parallel to the axis of said principal cavity, the wider section being adjacent said fixed part upper surface, said spout portion having a stepped formation homologous with said subsidiary cavity sections to nest therein in said off position and said first spout surface being flush with said fixed part upper surface in said off position, at least one of said fixed and movable parts comprising generally shape-retaining, resilient material for snap-type engagement of said parts, said movable part having a flow passage through said knuckle and spout portions, and said fixed part having a passage providing fluid communication between the interior of the receptacle and principal cavity, said passages being adapted to register in on position and to be out of register in off position.

3. A dispensing closure for use with a receptacle containing fluent material comprising a fixed part having a cavity therein conforming substantially to a longitudinally-truncated surface of revolution, the plane of truncation defining an entrance to the cavity and said plane being chosen to provide a curved wall greater than a movable part having a knuckle portion homologous rith said cavity frictionally and rotatably engaged therein for movement between on and off positions and a spout portion extending from said knuckle portion outwardly through said entrance, said movable part having a flow passage through said knuckle and spout portions, and said fixed part having a passage providing fluid communication between the interior of the receptacle and said cavity, said passages being adapted to register in on position and to be out of register in off position, at least one of said parts comprising substantially shape-retaining, resilient material for snap-type engagement of said parts, the curved wall of said cavity in a region circumjacent the exit of said fixed part passage therein having a pad, the perimeter of said pad being isolated from the end walls of said cavity, and a crateriform protuberance superimposed on said pad circumjacent said passage exit.

4. A dispensing closure for use with a receptacle containing fluent material comprising a fixed part having an essentially flat outer surface substantially over its entire extent, said part having means forming a cavity therein, the interior of said cavity conforming substantially to a longitudinally-truncated surface of revolution, the plane of truncation being chosen to define a curved Wall for said cavity subtending more than 180 and the plane of truncation defining an entrance to the cavity, a laterally-extending recess in said fixed part outer surface merging at one end with the curved wall of said cavity adjacent said entrance thereto, said recess being narrower at the place of merger than said entrance to preserve at least in part the continuity of said curved wall over said subtending angle, a movable part having a knuckle, said knuckle having a curved wall homologous with said cavity curved wall frictionally and rotatably retained in said cavity in snaptype engagement therewith and said knuckle having a spout part extending therefrom on one side of a diametrical plane thereof and projecting outwardly through said cavity entrance, said movable part being shiftable between on and off positions, the spout part in the off position, being disposed in said recess for flush relation with said fixed part upper surface, said movable part having a flow passage through said knuckle and spout portions, and said fixed part having a passage providing fluid communication between the interior of the receptacle and said cavity, said passages being adapted to register in on position and to be out of register in off position, at least one of said fixed and movable parts comprising generally shape-retaining, resilient material to provide said snap-type engagement.

5. A dispensing closure for use with a receptacle containing fluent material comprising a fixed part having an outer surface, said part having means forming a cavity in said surface, said cavity comprising a pair of opposite end walls, a semi-cylindrical inner lateral wall portion and flat lateral wall portions each forming a continuation of the ends of said semi-cylindrical portion, said flat portions being spaced apart and confronting and between them and said end walls defining a rectangular entrance to said cavity, the distance between the distal edges of said flat portions being less than the diameter of the semi-cylindrical portion, a movable part having a cylindrical knuckle, said knuckle being adapted for frictional, swivelling engagement in said cavity between on and ofi positions, the curved wall of said knuckle being abutted by said flat portion outer edges and by the bottom of the semicylindrical cavity portion for three-point frictional contact, at least one of said fixed and movable parts comprising generally shape-retaining, resilient material and said cavity and knuckle portion being so dimensioned that the elasticity of said one part complemented by contact of said edges on said knuckle portion provides a force component normal to the third point of contact at said cavity bottom, a spout extending from said knuckle through said cavity entrance, said fixed part having a passage providing fiuid communication between the interior of the receptacle and said cavity bottom, said movable part having a fluid passage through said knuckle and spout, said movable part passage being adapted to register with said fixed part passage in on position and to be out of register in oil? position, said fixed part upper surface having a recess opening out of the lateral wall of said cavity adjacent said entrance wherein said spout is disposed in flush relation with said fixed part upper surface in off posiiton, the resiliency of said material providing snap-type engagement of said movable and fixed parts.

6. The combination in accordance with claim 5 wherein the width of said recess, at least at the junction of said lateral cavity wall and recess being narrower than said lateral wall.

7. The combination in accordance with claim 5 further characterized in that rotation of said movable part from oil? to on position is limited by abutment of said spout with one of said distal edges and is limited, when rotated to off position, by abutment of said spout with the floor of said recess, said positions being substantially apart.

8. The combination in accordance with claim 5 further characterized by the provision on at least one cavity end wall of a protuberance extending into said cavity and the adjoining wall of the knuckle is provided with means defining a shoulder adapted to abut said protuberance to limit rotation of said movable part to on position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,717,726 Mart Sept. 13, 1955 2,727,658 Mart Dec. 20, 1955 2,793,795 Wilson et al. May 28, 1957 2,800,259 Wilson et a1 July 23, 1957 2,828,895 Mart Apr. 1, 1958 2,936,934 Kubiliunas May 17, 1960 2,938,653 Church et a1. May 31, 1960 

1. A DISPENSING CLOSURE FOR USE WITH A RECEPTACLE CONTAINING FLUENT MATERIAL COMPRISING A FIXED PART HAVING MEANS TO ATTACH THE CLOSURE TO THE RECEPTACLE, SAID FIXED PART HAVING AN ESSENTIALLY FLAT UPPER SURFACE SUBSTANTIALLY OVER ITS ENTIRE EXTENT AND PRINCIPAL AND SUBSIDIARY CAVITIES IN SAID SURFACE, SAID PRINCIPAL CAVITY CONFORMING SUBSTANTIALLY TO A LONGITUDINALLY TRUNCATED SURFACE OF REVOLUTION EXTENDING OVER AN ARC OF MORE THAN 180*, THE ENTRANCE TO THE CAVITY BEING DEFINED BY THE PLANE OF TRUNCATION, SAID SUBSIDIARY CAVITY MERGING WITH SAID PRINCIPAL CAVITY TO FORM A LATERAL CONTINUATION THEREOF, A MOVABLE PART HAVING A KNUCKLE PORTION SUBSTANTIALLY HOMOLOGOUS WITH SAID PRINCIPAL CAVITY RECEIVED FRICTIONALLY AND ROTATABLY THEREIN FOR MOVEMENT RELATIVE TO SAID FIXED PART BETWEEN "ON" AND "OFF" POSITIONS AND A SPOUT PORTION EXTENDING FROM SAID KNUCKLE PORTION THROUGH SAID ENTRANCE, SAID PRINCIPAL CAVITY AND KNUCKLE PORTION BEING SO POSITIONED WITH RESPECT TO SAID FIXED PART UPPER SURFACE THAT THE CURVED SURFACE OF SAID KNUCKLE PORTION IS TANGENTIAL THERETO, SAID SPOUT PORTION HAVING A FIRST FACE TANGENTIAL TO THE CURVED 